Capirossi returns to scene of greatest triumph.

It was pretty obvious to the other diners that some plot was being hatched at the table in the corner. It was difficult to hear what was being discussed above the din of a typical Aussie Saturday night out, but it certainly appeared to be pretty important.

One thing for certain it was an all-Italian affair with much interest focussed on a long haired Italian teenager, Loris Capirossi...

The date was 15 September 1990 and the venue the local pizzeria on the main street of the tiny seaside resort of Cowes at Phillip Island in Australia. It was the night before the Australian Grand Prix, the final race of the season and the place was heaving.

No wonder Capirossi was the centre of attention at the table in the corner. The 17-year-old, who lived almost in earshot of the famous Imola circuit, could the next day be crowned the youngest ever World Motorcycle Racing Champion and his fellow diners were determined to do all they could to help him.

Just over a month before, Capirossi won his first 125cc grand prix at Donington Park in England. It was his first full season of Grand Prix racing but another victory at the penultimate round in Hungary had given the rookie a chance of winning the world title at his first attempt.

All that stood between him was 22 laps of the daunting 4.448km Phillip Island circuit and two riders who were equally determined to make the long trip home with the World Championship trophy as part of their hand baggage.

German Honda rider Stefan Prein led Capirossi in the title chase by seven points and was favourite to take the title despite only winning one Grand Prix that year. Dutch Honda rider Hans Spaan had already won five Grands Prix but still trailed Capirossi by just two points.

Prein and Spaan had a lot more experience in the high pressure situation that was building up to boiling point on a cold dry spring morning on the other side of the world. Capirossi not only had the innocence of youth on his side but some influential friends out on the track including team-mate Fausto Gresini, Bruno Casanova and Doriano Romboni who were united in the cause of helping the talented youngster to bring the title back to Italy.

"It was not man against man," recalled Spaan, who still works in MotoGP for the Arie Molenaar Racing team, "It was me against a football team."

Prein had some problems getting off the start line and his championship dream disappeared on lap seven. The German retired in the pits with a broken gear linkage leaving Capirossi and his friends to deal with Spaan, which they did.

Capirossi led from the start with Gresini, Casanova and Romboni buzzing round Spaan like a swarm of demented bees. However, Spaan may have been outnumbered by four to one but he was not giving up the fight, encouraged in the knowledge that if he could beat Capirossi he would take the title.

The 17-year-old was in brilliant form and built up an impressive lead but then banged his knee on the kerb. To Capirossi's dismay, Spaan took the lead with just three laps remaining pursued by a pack of baying Italians, headed by the youngster.

"I don't remember when and where I hit my knee but it hurt and I lost concentration for a while," recalled today's West Honda Pons star. "I knew that Fausto and the others were trying their best for me but when Spaan came past I knew I had to do it for myself."

Do it for himself he did with two final laps that belied both his age and experience.
Gresini and co. were just about legally making life as difficult as they dared for the lone Dutchman and Capirossi regained the lead on the penultimate lap.

The Italians then closed ranks and Spaan knew that his big chance of a world title had gone. Only 0.647 seconds separated the first five finishers over the line but it was Capirossi who took the chequered flag, protected by Casanova and Romboni from Spaan who was a bitterly disappointed fourth in front of Gresini. The Pizzeria was buzzing that night celebrating with the youngest ever rider to win a world title.

"Even now I don't really know what happened on those last few laps," explained Capirossi on the eve of his return to Phillip Island, the scene of his greatest triumph 11 years ago. "Winning that race and the Championship is still the biggest moment of my career. I remember it so well because I was so young."

Seven months later Capirossi was back in Australia to win the 125cc race but at a new venue, Eastern Creek on the outskirts of Sydney. He went on to retain his title before switching to the 250 and 500cc classes.

Capirossi returns to Phillip Island this week riding the NSR West Honda Pons machine determined to go one better than last year when he finished second behind Max Biaggi. Like most MotoGP 500 riders he loves the sweeping curves of Phillip Island and racing in Australia.

"Phillip Island is a great circuit especially on a 500cc machine and I love racing in Australia," explained Capirossi. "I won my very first World title in Phillip Island and my first 500cc grand prix at Eastern Creek in 1996. After finishing second to Max last year I'm confident about the race this weekend."

Capirossi is back to the scene of his greatest triumph this weekend with happy memories of the day that launched his successful World Championship winning career. He's captured two more titles since then but he will never forget the thrill of winning that first World Championship and the support he received from his fellow Italians.